Oxygen sorbent compositions and methods of using same

ABSTRACT

Compositions and methods useful for oxygen sorption and other uses are presented, the compositions A composite material comprising components (A) and (B), wherein component (A) is selected from crystalline ceramic materials capable of forming a stable, reversible perovskite crystal phase at elevated temperatures (T&gt;500° C.), and combinations thereof, and component (B) comprises a metal selected from rhodium (Rh), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), nickel (Ni) and silver (Ag), and combinations and alloys of these metals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60/531,780, filed Dec. 22, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is generally related to the field of oxygen sorbent materials.

2. Related Art

Materials having the ability to absorb oxygen are useful in many industries, for example enrichment of oxygen from air or other multicomponent fluid. One useful class of crystalline materials is the so-called mixed ionic-electronic conductors (MIEC). These materials have exhibited enhanced sorption, as well as enhanced ionic and electronic conductivities, particularly their oxide-ion mobility and oxygen-(O₂)-storing capacities. High-temperature non-stoichiometric defects (such as oxide-ion vacancies or interstitial oxygen sites) in the crystal-lattice allow the materials to temporarily sorb oxygen at high-temperature for oxygen enrichment of gas streams, as well as for catalytic transformations of other compounds using the oxygen that is temporarily absorbed.

Potential applications of MIEC materials have been documented: production of syngas and H₂; partial oxidation of light hydrocarbons; production of pure O₂ (with a view toward replacing, possibly, cryogenic distillation); production of O₂-enriched gas mixtures; various environment-related solutions; and solid-oxide fuel cells and sensors (cf, for example, P. J. Gellings and H. J. M. Bouwmeester, Solid State Electrochemistry, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1996; H. Ullman, Keramische Zeitschrift, 53 (2001) 100-107; S. J. Skinner and J. A. Kilner, materialstoday (March 2003) 30-37. Specifically, Ion-Transport-Membrane (ITM) technologies for O₂ separation and syngas production are under quickly progressing development.

Technologies other than ITM, such as cyclic high-temperature sorption-desorption processes based on O₂ partial-pressure swings, have gained considerable interest. Cyclic O₂-recovery processes that utilize specific ceramic materials, such as K₂NiF₄ as sorbent/catalyst having high-temperature non-stoichiometric defects are being developed. These processes are referred to as ceramic autothermal recovery processes, or CAR processes, to be discussed further in the Description. They consist of alternately passing air and another medium (or applying vacuum) through pellets or granules of the material in a fixed-bed configuration, with cycle times of the order of minutes or less. Oxygen retained in the solid material during the air contacting step is released by decrease in O₂-partial pressure via application of vacuum, steam, carbon dioxide, steam-carbon dioxide mixtures, flue-gas mixtures or other appropriate means, to generate an O₂-enriched stream, which is used as feed to other systems, into which CAR could be integrated, e.g., combustion processes.

Key advantages of CAR over ITM processes are ease of material fabrication, plant design and process execution using traditional unit operations. Preliminary estimates indicate significant economic benefits compared to the traditional cryogenic air separation, due to lower energy consumption. On the other hand, cryogenic air separation plants are well understood and, despite their high operating costs, industry momentum is geared toward designing these plants cost-effectively, and this leads to reduced engineering and design costs, and inherent safety built up over time.

One of the key technical issues and risks of the CAR process for O₂ enrichment relates to material development. Of the MIEC materials of interest, perovskites and perovskite-like materials have attracted attention in the past. The process-related crystal-structure oxide-ion, O²⁻, deficiency can be exemplified by perovskite-type oxides, which originally referred to the mineral CaTiO₃. Today, “perovskite” denotes a series of oxygen-containing compounds with a unique general crystal structure, ABO₃, with high-temperature O²⁻ vacancies, denoted by the symbol δ, which obeys the general formula ABO_(3-δ). The “A”-site cations can be rare earth, alkaline earth, alkaline and other large cations such as Pb²⁺, Bi³⁺, or Ce⁴⁺, and the “B”-site cations can be 3d, 4d, or 5d transition-metal cations. Multiple cation-type occupations of those two sites are possible. Framework sites “A” and “B” are dodecahedral and octahedral, respectively, cf., L. G. Tejuca and J. L. Fierro, Properties and Applications of Perovskite-type Oxides, Marcel Dekker, New York, 1993.

A standard cubic high-temperature perovskite phase remains stable and reversible with regard to changes of δ within a certain range: The value δ could be as high as 0.25, but as a rule δ=0.05-0.25 (although higher values have been reported), at elevated temperature and low oxygen partial pressure, i.e., δ is a function of temperature and partial pressure of oxygen. On the other hand, perovskite stability is governed by cation radii of lattice metals in various valence states combined into a parameter “t” called “tolerance factor”, cf., Z. Shao, et al., Sep. Purif Technol., 25 (2001) 419-42. A perovskite structure can only be formed if t ranges from 0.75-1. These circumstances have set limits to the performance potential of perovskites in O₂-recovery and related processes. Tereoka et al. described the material La_(1-x)Sr_(x)Co_(1-y)Fe_(y)O_(3-δ) as a medium for oxide-ion permeation with excellent performance at high temperature (Y. Tereoka et al., Chemistry Letters, (1985) 1367-1370; 1743-1746). In this case, the O₂ permeation is driven by the O₂-partial-pressure difference between the two sides of the membrane, and it results from oxygen-ion transport through the vacant sites in the lattice structure. Significant efforts have been directed to the investigation of the fabrication and utilization of these materials as O₂-transport membranes for gas separation and reaction. Mazanec, et al., (U.S. Pat. No. 4,933,054) were awarded a patent in this area in 1990. One recent study of SrCo_(0.4)Fe_(0.6)O_(3-δ) reported, however, a decrease in oxygen permeability through samples that were purposely made stronger by addition of up to 9 wt % ZrO₂, where the Zr⁴⁺ cations replaced some of the B site cations. Yang, et al., Effect of the Size and Amount of ZrO ₂ Addition on Properties of SrCo _(0.4) Fe _(0.6) O _(3-δ) , AIChE Journal, Vol. 49, Issue 9, pages 2374-2382 (2003).

Desorption of O₂ from La_(1-x)Sr_(x)CoO_(3-δ) was studied and reported by Nakamura et al. (Chemistry Letters, (1981) 1587-1581) in 1981. Later, Teraoka et al. (Chemistry Letters, (1985) 1367-1370) examined O₂ sorption properties of La_(1-x)Sr_(x)Co_(1-y)Fe_(y)O_(3-δ). They observed that considerable amount of O₂ was desorbed from this class of oxides as temperature was increased from 300° C. to 1100° C., and was absorbed as temperature was decreased. Mizusaki et al. (J. Solid State Chemistry, 80 (1989) 102) measured the oxygen non-stoichiometry of the perovskite-type oxide La_(1-x)Sr_(x)CoO_(3-δ) as function of temperature, Sr content (x) and O₂-partial pressure. Lankhorst and Bouwmeester (J. Electrochem. Soc., 144 (1997) 1268) measured the oxygen non-stoichiometry of La_(0.8)Sr_(0.2)CoO_(3-δ). Zeng and Lin (Solid State Ionics, 110 (1998) 209-221) investigated O₂-sorption and desorption rates of a La_(0.2)Sr_(0.8)CoO_(3-δ) sample subjected to sudden changes of O₂-Partial pressure at constant temperatures. They found that this rate could be correlated to a linear-driving force of the deviation of oxygen-vacancy concentration in the bulk phase of the sample from its corresponding thermodynamically equilibrated one.

Few patents have been issued for processes using the O₂-sorption properties of perovskite-type oxides for gas separation and purification. Doi et al., KoKai Patent No. Hei 5 (1993)-4044, 1993) disclose using a perovskite-type oxide, ABO_(3-δ), as high-temperature O₂ sorbent to remove O₂-containing impurities, such as NO_(x) by means of a TSA technique to regenerate the sorbent. A Chinese patent application by Yang, et al., Appl. No. 99 1 13004.9, describes a material, Ba_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)CO_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ), with very high concentration of oxygen vacancies. The CAR concept, developed by Lin, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,858, also uses perovskite-type oxides as sorbents to separate O₂ from an O₂-containing stream, particularly air, by a type of mixed TSA-PSA process. This patent also discloses methods of sorbent regeneration using CO₂ or steam as the purge gas.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,143,203 describes CAR technology extended to the area of hydrogen and synthesis-gas production using perovskite-type oxide sorbents. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,379,586 and 6,464,955. A material patent of common assignment hereto has also been applied for: Supported Perovskite-Type Oxides and Methods for Preparation Thereof by Zeng, et al., U.S. Pub. Pat. Appl., U.S. 2002/0179887 A1 (2002).

As mentioned, the ability of perovskite and perovskite-like materials to function as commercial sorbents has limits. There have been recent efforts to improve the O₂-sorption performance of these materials, but with limited success. U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,501 discloses composites of metals and ion conductors; U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,441 discloses using perovskites to thin-film coat “current collects” (metal screens or mesh) in solid oxide fuel cells, and other devices, and gas separations are mentioned; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,641,626 and 6,471,921 disclose MIEC conducting membranes for HC processing, and disclose ceramic membranes which have good ionic and electrical conductivity, plus excellent strength under reactor operating conditions. The compositions comprise a matrix of MIEC (especially brownmillerite) with one or more second crystal phase, non-conductive, which enhances strength; U.S. Pat. No. 6,541,159 discloses O₂-separation membranes having an array of interconnecting pores and an OH⁻ ion conductor extending through the pores, and an electrical conductor extending through the pores, discrete from the OH⁻ ion conductor; U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,283 discusses forming pellets, powders, and two layer structures of La/Sr oxides; U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,549 discloses La/Sr ceramic membranes for catalytic membrane reactors with high ionic conduction and low thermal expansion; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,509,189 and 5,403,461 discuss solid solutions of pyrochlore crystal phase and perovskite crystal structures.

Despite improvements in the art, the need remains for compositions, which take better advantage of the excellent O₂-sorption and permeability properties of perovskites and perovskite-like materials, while exhibiting enhanced durability, so that the materials may be used commercially.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, composite materials and methods of use are presented which reduce or overcome many of the problems of previously known materials.

A first aspect of the invention relates to composite materials, specifically composite materials comprising components (A) and (B), wherein component (A) is selected from crystalline ceramic materials capable of forming a stable, reversible perovskite crystal phase at elevated temperatures (T>500° C.), and combinations thereof, and component (B) is a metal selected from rhodium (Rh), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), nickel (Ni) and silver (Ag), and combinations and alloys of these metals.

Desirable crystalline ceramic materials capable of forming a stable, reversible perovskite crystal phase at elevated temperatures include perovskites, perovskite-like compounds, and pyrochlores.

Perovskites useful in the invention are those within general formulas (1), (2), and (3): A_(x)B_(y)O_(3-δ),  (1) A_(x)A′_(x′)B_(y)B′_(y′)O_(3-δ), and  (2) A_(x)A′_(x′)A″_(x″)B_(y)B′_(y′)B″_(y″)O_(3-δ),  (3) and combinations thereof, wherein:

-   -   A, A′, and A″ are independently selected from ions of atoms         having atomic number ranging from 57-71, inclusive, a cation of         yttrium, ions of Group 1 atoms, ions of Group 2 atoms, and         combinations of two or more, where Group 1 and Group 2 refer to         the periodic table of elements;     -   B, B′, and B″ are independently selected from d-block         transition-metal ions selected from Mn, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu;     -   x, x′, x″, y, y′, and y″ are each real numbers ranging from 0 to         1.0;     -   x+x′+x″=0.8-1.0; y+y′+y″=1.0; and δ ranges from about 0.05 to         about 0.30;     -   with the provisos that:         -   (1) when a Co ion is present at a plurality of B sites, then             at least some of the B′ sites are occupied by Fe ions, and             at least some of the B″ sites are occupied by Ni ions;         -   (2) when a Cu ion is presented at a plurality of B sites,             then at least some of the B′ and B″ sites are occupied by             one or more of Mn ions, Cr ions and Fe ions; and         -   (3) when proviso (1) is true, then at least one other             compound within general formulas (1), (2), and (3) is             present.

Perovskite-like compounds useful in the invention are those within general formulas (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (9): A₂BO_(4-δ)  (4) A₂B₂O_(5-δ)  (5) AO(ABO_(3-δ))_(n)  (6) AM₂Cu₃O_(7-δ)  (7) Bi₄V_(2(1-x))Me_(2x)O_(11-3x),  (8) A″B″O₃  (9) wherein:

-   -   A is independently selected from ions of atoms having atomic         numbers ranging from 57-71, inclusive, a cation of yttrium, ions         of Group 1 atoms, ions of Group 2 atoms, and combinations of two         or more, where Group 1 and Group 2 refer to the periodic table         of elements;     -   B is independently selected from d-block transition metal ions;     -   A″ is an ion of Na or Li, and B″ is an ion of W or Mo;     -   M is a metal cation selected from cations of Group 2 atoms of         the periodic table of elements;     -   Me is a metal cation selected from cations of Cu, Bi, and Co         atoms;     -   x is a real number ranging from 0.01 to 1.0;     -   n ranges from 1 to about 10; and     -   δ ranges from about 0.05 to about 0.30.

Pyrochlores useful in the invention are those within general formula (10): A₂B₂O_(7-δ)  (10) wherein:

-   -   A is independently selected from ions of atoms having atomic         numbers ranging from 57-71, inclusive, a cation of yttrium, ions         of Group 1 atoms, ions of Group 2 atoms, and combinations of two         or more, where Group 1 and Group 2 refer to the periodic table         of elements;     -   B is independently selected from d-block transition metal ions;         and     -   δ ranges from about 0.05 to about 0.30.

One group of composites of the invention are those wherein A is an ion of atoms having atomic number ranging from 57-71, inclusive; A′ is an Sr ion; and B and B′ (when present) are selected from Ni, Co and Fe ions. Another set of composites within the invention are those wherein component (A) comprises a crystalline ceramic oxide within general formula (7) AM₂Cu₃O_(7-δ) and component (B) is a metal selected from Rh, Pt, Pd, Ni, Ag and combinations thereof.

Composites of the invention may be formed as structured particles having a particle size ranging from about 0.01 to about 100 microns in largest dimension, or range from about 0.1 to about 50 microns.

Composites of the invention, when used as oxygen separation media, may be supported on (or serve as supports for) an “active” matrix selected from porous inorganic materials that are stable at temperatures ranging from about 500 to about 1000° C. In this form the inventive compositions may be referred to as supported composites. “Active”—as that term is used when referring to support or matrix materials—means that even the supporting material acts in the oxygen sorption and transport. Compounds of general formula M′O_(n′) may be supported by the composites of the invention. Compounds within the general formula M′O_(n), referred to as “binary metal oxides”, mean a single metal element that assumes different oxidation states within the oxygen partial pressure range of the CAR process, enabling the metal oxides to release oxygen at different partial pressures of oxygen in CAR processes. In the binary metal oxides, M′O_(n), M′ is a metal of the d block transition metals that changes its oxidation state. Metals may be Cu, Co, Ni, Bi, Pb, V, Mn, and Cr, the oxides of which release oxygen by changing their crystal phase or by their reduction up to the metal. In their pure states, the binary metal oxides do not form stable ceramic shapes because of crystal phase transformations. However, in combination with an active support or matrix oxide (perovskite materials within general formulas (1), (2), or (3), perovskite-like materials within general formulas (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (9), and pyrochlores within general formula (10)), stability of the binary metal oxides can be enhanced, while extending the oxygen sorption/desorption capacities of the matrix compositions. Other suitable active support materials include apatite compositions.

Supported composites of the invention may be shaped, structured articles of manufacture, having shape selected from beads, pellets, saddles, rings, pyramids, extrudates with any cross sectional shapes with or without holes, honey-combs with uniform channels and monoliths with random porosity and foam structure, and the like. The inorganic support may be a porous inorganic support comprising a plurality of pores, as further described herein.

Composites of the invention may be coated on one or more non-porous support materials to achieve an increase in performance, and enhancement of thermal and mechanical properties of the composition.

Composites of the invention desirably comprise component (A) coated or impregnated with one or metals from those in component (B), in other words, a perovskite, perovskite-like compound, or pyrochlore coated or impregnated with a metal selected from Rh, Pt, Pd, Ni, Ag and combinations and alloys thereof.

A second aspect of the invention are methods of separating a gas component from a mixture of gases by either of pressure swing adsorption, thermal swing absorption, or combination thereof, comprising contacting a gas mixture with a composite of the invention. Methods of the invention include converting a light hydrocarbon (C₅ or less) into hydrogen and carbon monoxide by contacting one or more hydrocarbons with a composition of the invention, including reactions of partial oxidation, steam reforming, auto-thermal reforming, and the like, in process modes selected from batch, semi-continuous, continuous or cyclic operations. The reactions may be carried out in well-known bed-type reaction vessels, where the bed of particles is fluidized, semi-fluidized, or non-fluidized.

Thus, the present invention provides for novel materials and methods of use, specifically modified mixed ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) materials (either alone or as composites with active oxygen exchange support materials) with enhanced performance in sorption, catalytic processes, and the like. The inventive composites owe their ionic and electronic conductivities, particularly their oxide-ion mobility and O₂-storing capacities, to high-temperature non-stoichiometric defects such as oxide-ion vacancies—or interstitial oxygen sites—in the crystal-lattice structure of the solids, and also on changed valence states of a selected series of transition metals, which lead to different oxides of one and the same metal. These materials will have strong potential for high-temperature processes that utilize the O₂-storing/releasing properties for purposes of the enrichment of O₂ in gas streams but also for multi-fold catalytic transformations of other compounds. The inventive composites may also be formed into chemically and mechanically robust ceramic composites such as sorbent and membrane materials with high O₂ capacities (in the case of adsorbents) and high O₂ permeation fluxes (in the case of membranes). This enables the design of high-performance structured ceramics of regular or random shapes, allowing for high performance in O₂ enrichment and, at the same time, the ability to withstand the expected operating conditions in large scale plants, and be cost-effective in addition. The inventive composites may be utilized advantageously for high-temperature CAR-type PVSA and TSA processes (and also for other related applications) to produce substantially pure O₂, syngas and H₂ (at small and large scale), as well as O₂ and fuel in integrated process schemes, for example, so-called oxy-fuel processes and many other processes.

Further aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reviewing the detailed description of the invention that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate graphically the concept of working capacity for sorbent materials of the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a ceramic autothermal recovery process of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing oxygen uptake/release for mixed oxides at 800° C versus the square root of time.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the oxygen sorption isotherms for two perovskites versus oxygen partial pressure at 800° C.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the results of catalytic auththermal reforming experiments for differently shaped perovskite samples measuring the oxygen enrichment in a product stream.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONS

Novel materials that reversibly deliver O₂ in CAR processes and other methods of use are now described in further detail. Primary attention is paid to new composites of two or more oxides that act reversibly with high exchange rate and high capacity for O₂ over a O₂-partial pressure region between 5 and 0.01 atmosphere. Beside these parameters, their thermodynamic and long-time mechanical stability under the conditions of commercial processes, with maintenance of both the desired crystal structure and secondary ceramic shape, specifically by considering thermal expansion coefficients as important material-specific parameters, are accounted for.

Composites of the invention may generally be categorized as combinations of components (A) and (B), wherein component (A) is selected from crystalline ceramic materials capable of forming a stable, reversible perovskite crystal phase at elevated temperatures (T>500° C.), and combinations thereof, and component (B) is a metal selected from rhodium (Rh), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), nickel (Ni) and silver (Ag), and combinations and alloys of these metals. As mentioned in the background section, a standard cubic high-temperature (about 500-1000° C.) perovskite phase remains stable and reversible with regard to changes of δ within δ=0.05-0.25 at elevated temperature and low oxygen partial pressure. On the other hand, perovskite stability is governed by cation radii of lattice metals in various valence states combined into a parameter “t” called “tolerance factor”, and a perovskite structure can only be formed if t ranges from 0.75-1. These circumstances have set limits to the performance potential of perovskites in O₂-recovery and related processes. Attempts to extend the limits of useful perovskites have failed, at least as far as oxygen permeability is concerned. For example, when a perovskite material was purposely made stronger by addition of ZrO₂, where the Zr⁴⁺ cations replaced some of the B site cations, the material was stronger, but the oxygen permeability decreased. Yang, et al., Effect of the Size and Amount of ZrO ₂ Addition on Properties of SrCo _(0.4) Fe _(0.6) O _(3-δ) , AIChE Journal, Vol. 49, Issue 9, pages 2374-2382 (2003).

The inventors herein have discovered that composite materials of the invention overcome some or all the limitations of previous compositions in enhancing oxygen permeability and oxygen trapping ability. As may be seen from the above general description of composites of the invention, the key to the effectiveness of the composites of the invention lies in the selection of the B site cations; in particular, it appears that the ability of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr and Mn cations to be present in more than one oxidation state in the crystal lattice at high temperatures allows, the compositions of the invention to be particularly useful in temporarily absorbing oxygen, especially in certain unexpected combinations of perovskites, perovskite-like compounds, and pyrochlores with the metals Rh, Pt, Pd, Ni, and Ag. It is also theorized that the ionic radii of the selected A and B site cations in their various oxidation states, and the fluctuation between these states and radii, perhaps help in the generation of oxide ion vacancies in the crystal lattice of perovskites, perovskite-like compounds and pyrochlores useful in the composites of the invention. Furthermore, it is theorized that the presence of metals Rh, Pt, Pd, Ni, and Ag in close proximity to perovskite structures within the composites of the invention helps in surface effects.

The valency states of the various transition metals deemed useful in the composites of the invention, and the ionic radii of the most stable ion, are presented in Table 1, in accordance with R. D. Shannon, Acta Cryst., A32 (1976) 751-767. The ionic and electronic conductivities of these compositions, particularly their oxide-ion mobility, and oxygen-(O₂)-storing capacities that are based on high-temperature non-stoichiometric defects such as oxide ion vacancies, or interstitial oxygen sites, in the crystal-lattice structures of these solids, makes composites of the invention particularly useful in oxygen separation.

TABLE 1 Valancy States and Ionic Radii Atomic Number Symbol Possible Oxidation States Ionic radii (pm)* 24 Cr 2, 3*, 4, 5, 6 62 25 Mn 7, 6, 4, 3, 2* 67 26 Fe 2, 3* 55 27 Co 2*, 3 65 28 Ni 2*, 3 69 29 Cu 2*, 1 73 *Most stable cation

Perovskites useful in composites of the invention include those wherein A is an ion of atoms having atomic number ranging from 57-71, inclusive; A′ is an Sr ion; and B and B′ are selected from Ni, Co and Fe ions. Perovskite oxides useful in the invention within general formula (2) A_(x)A′_(x′)B_(y)B′_(y′)O_(3-δ) are those wherein 0.5<x<1, 0.1<x′<0.5, 0.2<y<0.8, and 0.2<y′<0.6. Some specific perovskites, perovskite-like oxides, and pyrochlore oxides useful in the invention include those in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Perovskites, Perovskite-like and pyrochlore compounds Perovskites: A_(x)A′_(x′)B_(y)B′_(y′)O_(3-δ) (2) La_(0.6)Sr_(0.4)Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ), Sr_(0.9)Ce_(0.1)Fe_(0.8)Co_(0.2)O_(3-δ), La_(0.2)Sr_(0.8)Co_(0.6)Fe_(0.4)O_(3-δ), Ba_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ) Ca_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)Mn_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ) Ca_(0.45)Sr_(0.45)Mn_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ) La_(0.8)Sr_(0.2)Ni_(0.4)Co_(0.4)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ) La_(0.6)Sr_(0.4)Cr_(0.2)Fe_(0.8)O_(3-δ), Perovskite-related: A₂BO_(4-δ) (4) La₂CoO_(4-δ) La₂MnO_(4-δ) La₂FeO_(4-δ) Sr₂CuO_(4-δ) Sr₂MnO_(4-δ) A₂B₂O_(5-δ) (5) La₂Co₂O_(5-δ) La₂Mn₂O_(5-δ) Sr₂Cr₂O_(5-δ) Ce₂Mn₂O_(5-δ) AO(ABO_(3-δ))_(n) (6) LaO(LaCuO_(3-δ))₅ SrO(LaCrO_(3-δ))₆ GdO(SrFeO_(3-δ))₅ CeO(LaNiO_(3-δ))₆ YO(YMnO_(3-δ))_(n) CeO(CeMnO_(3-δ))_(n) AM₂Cu₃O_(7-δ) (7) KBa₂Cu₃O_(7-δ) NaBa₂Cu₃O_(7-δ) LaBa₂Cu₃O_(7-δ) MgBa₂Cu₃O_(7-δ) SrBa₂Cu₃O_(7-δ) Y_(0.5)La_(0.5)BaCaCu₃O_(7-δ) Y_(0.8)La_(0.2)Ba_(0.8)Sr_(1.2)Cu₃O_(7-δ) Y_(0.7)La_(0.3)Ba_(0.8)Sr_(1.2)Cu₃O_(7-δ) Y_(0.9)La_(0.1)Ba_(0.6)Ca_(0.6)Sr_(0.8)Cu₃O_(7-δ) Bi₄V_(2(1-x))Me_(2x)O_(11-3x), (8) Bi₄VCuO_(9.5) Bi₄V_(0.6)Co_(1.4)O_(8.9) Bi₄V_(1.4)Bi_(0.6)O_(10.1) Bi₄V_(1.6)Cu_(0.4)O_(10.4) A″B″O₃ (9) LaFeO₃ SrCoO₃ SrFeO₃ Pyrochlores A₂B₂O_(7-δ) (10) Mg₂Fe₂O_(7-δ) Mg₂Co₂O_(7-δ) Sr₂Mo₂O_(7-δ)

Perovskites within general formulas (1)-(3), perovskite-like compounds with general formulas (4)-(9) and pyrochlores within general formula (10) may be present with one or more metals selected from Rh, Pt, Pd, Ni, Ag and combinations and alloys thereof in a variety of formats, including, but not limited to, solid solutions, layered compositions, randomly mixed compositions, and the like. For example, a perovskite may be present with a metal as intergrown layers, as discrete layers, or as the metal deposited on the perovskite by any known deposition means, such as chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, various sputtering procedures, electrochemical deposition, and the like. As examples of these:

-   -   platinum electrochemically deposited on         Y_(0.5)La_(0.5)BaCaCu₃O_(7-δ);     -   platinum sputter deposited on         Y_(0.8)La_(0.2)Ba_(0.8)Sr_(1.2)Cu₃O_(7-δ);     -   rhodium chemical vaspor deposited on Mg₂Fe₂O_(7-δ);     -   90% platinum/10% rhodium alloy electrochemically deposited on         La_(0.6)Sr_(0.4)Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ),         and the like. Multiple layers are possible, with alternating         layers of two or more crystalline ceramic oxides with metals.         Such arrangements allow for (i) buffering thermal-mechanical         properties, (ii) increasing the surface-reaction rate by         enhancing the accessible surface and the influence of         grain-boundary region effects, and (iii) synergistic effects for         increasing the “working capacity” of the materials. Dual phases         of a crystalline ceramic oxide with one or more metal phases         comprise another embodiment.

The meaning of the process parameter “working capacity” follows from FIGS. 1 and 2 that illustrate by sorption-isotherm schemes the sorption-process principles TSA (Thermal Swing Adsorption) and PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption), respectively. A CAR process could be thought to be executed at conditions limited by these two principles. FIG. 1 illustrates graphically a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) scheme. (A similar figure would express a vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) scheme, which those of skill in the art will recognize is another method useful in practicing the invention.) In a PSA scheme, adsorption of the desired species (typically O₂) by pressure build-up at constant temperature leads to point H. Desorption using either pressure decrease (or vacuum) or partial pressure decrease in the desired species (using a replacement or sweep gas) at constant temperature leads the system to point L. The resulting difference is sorption uptake as shown at the ordinate is Δn over the difference in (partial) pressure Δp. The difference Δn represents the so-called “working capacity” (or desorbable amount of target species over a defined oxygen partial pressure range). This cycle is typically repeated one or a plurality of times. FIG. 2 illustrates graphically a temperature swing adsorption (TSA) scheme. Adsorption of the desired species (typically O₂) by pressure build-up at constant temperature T₁ leads to point H. Desorption using temperature increase, e.g., towards T5 with (or without) some pressure increase, leads the system to point L. Desorption may be supported by purge in conjunction with temperature increase using a fluid species that is less strongly sorbed than the target species. The resulting working capacity of the sorbent material is illustrated as the desorbed amount of target species, Δn. This cycle is typically repeated one or a plurality of times.

Primary composites of the invention (comprising components (A) and (B)) may be formed as particles having a particle size ranging from about 0.01 to about 100 microns in largest dimension, or ranging from about 0.1 to about 50 microns. The particles may be shaped articles of manufacture, having shape selected from beads, pellets, saddles, rings, pyramids, cubes, extrudates with any cross sectional shapes with or without holes, honey-combs with uniform channels and monoliths with random porosity and foam structure, and the like.

Composites of the invention may be made and characterized using standard ceramic and metal deposition processing steps and equipment. For example, to make a composite of La_(0.6)Sr_(0.4)Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ) and Pt metal, one might start with technical grade samples of each rare earth oxide and metal oxide required to make La_(0.6)Sr_(0.4)Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ). Stoichiometric amounts of each oxide required to produce La_(0.6)Sr_(0.4)Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ) are well mixed using an agate and pestle, then mixed or layered as desired to form a green composite, and then fired at a high temperature, usually about 1000° C. The fired oxide is then pressed together into the desired shapes under pressure, and then sintered to make the dense material. Platinum may then be sputter-deposited onto the densified ceramic using any known metal sputtering technique. The structure of the individual powders and the final shaped articles may be studied using XRD employing a diffractometer such as that known under the trade designation D/Max-RB, available from Rigaku. Oxygen temperature-programmed desorption equipment is readily available. A heating rate of 10° C./min is typical. Oxygen permeation of membrane materials may be studied using known gas chromatography (GC) techniques. For example, a disk of the sintered material may be sealed in the end of an alumina tube, one side of the disk exposed to air, the other exposed to flowing helium. The outlet gas (He+O₂) is connected to the GC, for example a GC available from Hewlett-Packard known under the trade designation HP5890A. The GC is calibrated frequently using standard gases. The O₂ permeation flux (J_(O2)) may be calculated from known equations, such as the following: J _(O2) =S/S°×P°×F/S _(m), where S is the oxygen area of the outlet gas, S° the oxygen area of the standard gas, P° the percentage of O₂ in the standard gas, F the outlet gas flow rate and S_(m) the effective inner surface area of the membrane material.

The ratio of ceramic component (A) to metallic component (B) in the final composite will of course depend on the end use, including the physical, chemical, and thermal environment the composite is exposed to, and the cycling of temperature and/or pressure that is expected to occur in various processes. Generally speaking, the weight ratio A:B may range from about 100:1 to about 1:100, or range from about 10:1 to about 1:10. A particular advantage of composites of the invention is the ability to modify the composition within each A and each B component, as well as the ratio A:B and physical form of each of A and B, to meet demands imposed by the end use. There may also be environmental reasons for selecting a particular A or B component, such as disposal constraints.

The composites of the invention may be supported on an “active” support selected from porous inorganic materials that are stable at temperatures ranging from about 500 to about 1000° C. In this form the inventive composites may be referred to as supported composites, or simply “secondary” composites, and these materials are particularly well-suited for high-temperature CAR-type processes for O₂ enrichment. Recall that primary compositional changes/doping of basic perovskite-type materials to improve their properties with regard to oxygen exchange have reached their limits. As used herein, the term “secondary composite” means mechanical combinations on a macro scale of two or more solid materials, one of which is itself a composite (a primary composite of components (A) and (B) as discussed herein), resulting in compositions with specific goal-oriented macroscopic properties. The phenomenon of building up/using secondary composites allows for significant unexpected (i) additional O₂-exchange capacity; (ii) improved thermo-chemical properties; (iii) appropriate changes in surface-reaction rates; and (iv) improved ceramic-material processing.

Examples of secondary composites of the invention include compositions where the “core” O₂-exchange material and the matrix (support) material are both active with regard to O₂-exchange. For example, secondary composites of this invention include one or more primary composites of the invention combined with an oxygen-exchange active matrix, which may be an oxide such as another perovskite that is slightly active, but contributes desirable mechanical and thermal properties to the composite. Composites of the invention optionally include a stabilizing component. It is anticipated that for most composites of the invention an appropriate binder will have to be utilized.

The stabilizing component functions to maintain the ability of the composition to undergo repeated cyclic changes in its crystal structure as temperature, pressure, or both are cycled. Suitable stabilizers are rare earth (lanthanides series) elements and their oxides, such as erbium and erbium oxide.

Binders function to maintain the intended physical shape of the composites of the invention under the constraints of the conditions of use. These constraints include chemical, electrical, and mechanical, and suitable binders are materials that substantially match the chemical, electrical, mechanical, and thermo-mechanical properties of the crystalline ceramic oxides and active support materials. In particular for non-membrane CAR extrudates to be used under pressure-swing conditions, the binder should allow composites of the invention to achieve a crush strength of at least about 3 kg/cm², or at least about 5 kg/cm², as tested by specific techniques and criteria the particular features of which depend greatly on both the shape and geometry of the particles investigated. Specifically, “buffering” of the thermal-expansion coefficient at O⁻ deficiency conditions (for crystals) allows for maximum Δδ to be utilized by substantially reducing or eliminating the thermo-mechanical-stress gradient across the CAR-type macroscopic particle. The mechanical strength of composites of the invention under operating conditions may be improved, for example, by choosing appropriate supports, inert fillers, fibers and the like. Suitable binders may or may not be chemically active, and include metal oxides that do not undergo significant change in oxidation state, examples of which include the various aluminas, silicas, titanias and zirconia. These materials are well known in the ceramics art.

Active supports useful in the invention include perovskite-like compounds within general formulas (1), (2), and (3), perovskite-like compounds within general formulas (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (9) and pyrochlores within general formula (10), and combinations thereof. The active support may have a particle size (largest dimension) ranging from about 1 to about 10,000 microns, or range from about 10 to about 1,000 microns. When a binary metal oxide is present with a primary composite of the invention, the binary metal oxide may overlay the primary composite, and the binary metal oxide may have a crystallite size ranging from about 0.1 to about 0.5 microns. Secondary composites of the invention may be shaped articles of manufacture, having shape selected from beads, rings, pyramids, extrudates with any cross sectional shapes with or without holes, honey-combs with uniform channels and monoliths with random porosity and foam structure, and the like.

As with the primary composites of the invention having two or more crystalline ceramic oxides present, secondary composites of the invention may be comprised of alternating and densely packed thin layers of oxygen-exchange active materials. Such arrangements provide for an opportunity to (i) buffer thermal-mechanical properties, (ii) increase the surface-reaction rate by enhancing the accessible surface, and also the influence of grain-boundary region effects, (iii) provide for synergistic effects for increasing the “working capacity” of the material.

Intimately arranged physical mixtures of crystallographically incompatible structures also have utility as dual-compounded composite materials of the invention. For example, one or more primary composites of the invention may be physically dry mixed with a second primary composite of the invention, or alternatively with an active matrix material of the type mentioned herein, with optional binder and stabilizer materials.

Specific macroscopic size and system properties of compositions of the invention of physical/physico-chemical nature that have an unexpected strong (positive) influence on enhanced O₂-exchange capacity, including improved thermo-chemical properties and accelerated surface-reaction rate are as follows:

-   -   (1) increase in “working capacity” along the O₂-sorption         isotherm (by appropriate change of its slope) via mixing effects         with additional synergies (for example, enhancement of surface         reaction) and by combining O₂-exchange active support materials         into composites with crystalline ceramic oxides of the         invention, which show differences in their active         O₂-partial-pressure regions (select active support materials         having high O⁻ capacity and optionally a linear sorption         isotherm in order to ensure an increased ΔO₂ loading, and its         utilization under CAR-operating conditions);     -   (2) doping of the perovskite-type material of the general         formula A′_(x)A″_(x)B′_(y)B″_(y)O_(3-x) with all the possible         variations in decoding A′, A″, B′, and B″, for several examples,         or other materials to vary either the surface-exchange rate for         O₂ or the rate of chemical oxide-ion diffusion to allow for a         process regime along “non-equilibrium” isotherms, and         increasing, thus, the working capacity, even if the total O₂         capacity remains unchanged/comparatively low. Particularly, this         could be achieved by decreasing the surface reaction rate at         constant high chemical diffusivity (in the crystalline bulk of         the exchange-active material);     -   (3) creating an additional regular macropore-channel system in         secondary single-component perovskite and/or composite         particles, such as extrudates, pellets, and the like, (cf., W.         Geipel and H J. Ullrich, Füllkörper-Taschenbuch, Vulkan Verlag,         Essen, 1991; and R. J. Wijngaarden, A. Kronberg, K. R.         Westerterp, Industrial Catalysis, Wiley-VCh, Weinheim, 1998) and         avoiding formation of mesoporosity with Knudsen-type transport         by utilizing auxiliary pore-forming materials, for example, of         organic character, in the making of secondary-material shapes         that leads to a stochastic macroporosity only. Organic         components of sufficient large size, such as naphthalene and/or         naphthalene-based compounds, which consist of carbon and         hydrogen only, to be burned off completely without strong side         reactions, are desired for this purpose. However, concentration         of pore-creating additives has to be balanced with regard to         efficient removal of CO₂ formed, which could be detrimental to         specific perovskite-type materials;     -   (4) improving the macro-kinetics of CAR processes by utilizing         shape effects in secondary single-component material and/or         composite particles (combining these with enhancement factors         that stem from the additional regular macropore-channel         system.);     -   (5) create “dispersion effects” on external surfaces of         crystalline ceramic oxides or composite particles to enhance the         surface-exchange rate;     -   (6) select crystalline ceramic oxide crystallite size         distributions with their maxima shifted toward lower or higher         crystal sizes, depending on typical rate processes that have to         be identified and characterized for finding composition-specific         optima); and     -   (7) utilize tribochemical and acid-treatment methods to activate         external surface-area regions of crystalline ceramic oxides and         composites including same for enhancing surface reaction by         minimizing the surface barrier.

The particle size for any particular composite of the invention (primary and secondary) may vary over a large particle size distribution or a narrow particle size distribution, expressed in terms of Gaussian distribution curves.

Primary composites of the invention are prepared by means known to those of skill in the ceramics art. They may be prepared by dispersing the crystalline ceramic oxides onto an active support with or without the aid of a liquid solvent, and treating the mixture of ceramic oxide and support at a temperature ranging from about 600 to about 1,500° C. The active inorganic support may be a porous inorganic material comprising a plurality of pores. The porous structure may be formed from a green composition comprising additives useful in forming pores in the porous inorganic material and useful to control pore structure of the pores, such as water, organic solvents, celluloses, polymers, synthetic and naturally formed fibers, starches, metal oxides, and the like, and combinations thereof. Additives may be selected from water, celluloses, about 0.1 to 1 wt % MgO and about 0.1 to 0.5 wt % TiO₂. Pore sizes may range from about 0.001 to 10 microns, or ranging from 0.01 to 1 micron, and specific surface area, as measured in accordance with the BET method, may range from about 1 to 200 m²/g, or ranging from 1 to 50 m²/g. The metal component is then deposited using physical or chemical vapor deposition, sputtering, electro-deposition, or like methods.

Methods of Use

A second aspect of the invention are methods of separating a gas component from a mixture of gases by either of pressure swing adsorption, thermal swing adsorption, or combination thereof comprising contacting a gas mixture with a primary or secondary composite of the invention. Methods of the invention include those wherein the sorbed oxygen may then be used in situ for reacting with another compound while still sorbed, or desorbed and subsequently reacted, or combination of these (for example the oxygen may be desorbed from the compositions of the invention contained in a vessel and subsequently reacted, in the same vessel, with a compound to be oxidized). If used in thin membrane form, the composites of the invention may serve as mixed ion and electron conductors, where O₂ atoms contacting one side of the membrane accept 2 electrons conducted through the membrane to form O²⁻ ions, while a hydrocarbon flows past the other side of the membrane and reacts with O²⁻ ions conducted through the membrane to form CO, H₂ and release 2 electrons. Reactions using the oxygen so sorbed or recovered, such as partial hydrocarbon oxidation, hydrocarbon steam reforming, hydrocarbon auto-thermal reforming, and the like, in a process mode selected from batch, semi-continuous, continuous or cyclic operation, are considered within the invention. Aside from the use of the composites of the invention in these methods, the methods are themselves known to skilled artisans. For example, the method descriptions in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,143,203; 6,379,586 and 6,464,955, and U.S. Pub. Pat. Appl., 2002/0179887 A1 are incorporated herein by reference.

Other methods of the invention include converting a light hydrocarbon (C₅ or less) into hydrogen and carbon monoxide by contacting one or more hydrocarbons with a particulate composition (or composite) of the invention, carried out in well-known bed-type reaction vessels, where the bed of particles is fluidized, semi-fluidized, or non-fluidized. Alternatively, membrane configurations may be employed, as discussed above. Partial hydrocarbon oxidation reactions are advantageous in that they are exothermic, and typically carried out at temperatures ranging from about 600 to about 1200° C. In these temperature regimes, the compositions and composites of the invention are well-suited, since the high temperature perovskite cubic structure predominates.

CAR is a Ceramic Auto-thermal Recovery process executed cyclically on conventionally shaped perovskites or related solids in a fixed-bed sorption-type arrangement at high temperature; as a rule at T>700° C. One scheme, illustrated in FIG. 3, illustrates a two-bed system that is run symmetrically. While exothermic sorption uptake of oxygen takes place in Bed 1 by passing air through it with a nitrogen-enriched waste gas leaving the bed, endothermic desorption of oxygen and its release as an oxygen-enriched product gas stream takes place in Bed 2, due to oxygen partial pressure decrease as a result of purging the bed with an inert gas. Appropriate heat management of the process system allows for overall autothermal conditions.

Although the foregoing description is intended to be representative of the invention, it is not intended to in any way limit the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A composite material comprising components (A) and (B), wherein component (A) is selected from compounds within general formulas (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (9): A₂BO_(4-δ)  (4) A₂B₂O_(5-δ)  (5) AO(ABO_(3-δ))_(n)  (6) AM₂Cu₃O_(7-δ)  (7) Bi₄V_(2(1-x))Me_(2x)O_(11-3x),  (8) A“B”O₃  (9) wherein: A is independently selected from ions of atoms having atomic numbers ranging from 57-71, inclusive, a cation of yttrium, ions of Group 1 atoms, ions of Group 2 atoms, and combinations of two or more, where Group 1 and Group 2 refer to the periodic table of elements; B is independently selected from d-block transition metal ions; A“ is an ion of Na or Li, and B” is an ion of W or Mo; M is a metal cation selected from cations of Group 2 atoms of the periodic table of elements; Me is a metal cation selected from cations of Cu, Bi, and Co atoms; x is a real number ranging from 0.01 to 1.0; n ranges from 1 to about 10; and δ ranges from about 0.05 to about 0.30, and combinations thereof, and component (B) comprises a metal selected from rhodium (Rh), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), nickel (Ni) and silver (Ag), and combinations and alloys of these metals.
 2. The composite material of claim 1 wherein component (A) is selected from compounds within general formula (10): A₂B₂O_(7-δ)  (10): wherein: A is independently selected from ions of atoms having atomic numbers ranging from 57-7 1,inclusive, a cation of yttrium, ions of Group 1 atoms, ions of Group 2 atoms, and combinations of two or more, where Group 1 and Group 2 refer to the periodic table of elements; B is independently selected from d-block transition metal ions; and 67 ranges from about 0.05 to about 0.30.
 3. The composite material as claimed in claim 1 wherein component (A) comprises a crystalline ceramic oxide within general formula (7) AM₂Cu₃O_(7-δ).
 4. The composite material as claimed in claim 3 wherein component (A) comprises a crystalline ceramic oxide selected from: Y_(0.5)La_(0.5)BaCaCu₃O_(7-δ) Y_(0.8)La_(0.2)Ba_(0.8)Sr_(1.2)Cu₃O_(7-δ) Y_(0.7)La_(0.3)Ba_(0.8)Sr_(1.2)Cu₃O_(7-δ) Y_(0.9)La_(1.0)Ba_(0.6)Ca_(0.6)Sr_(0.8)Cu₃O_(7-δ) and combinations thereof.
 5. The composite material as claimed in claim 1 wherein said binary metal oxide is selected from binary metal oxides of d-block transition metals and mixtures thereof.
 6. A method of separating a gas component from a mixture of gases by pressure swing adsorption, thermal swing absorption, or combination thereof comprising contacting said gas mixture with the composite material as claimed in claim
 4. 7. A method for converting hydrocarbons into hydrogen and carbon monoxide by contacting said hydrocarbons with the composite material as claimed in claim 4 having oxygen sorbed thereon.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein reactions of partial oxidation, steam reforming, or auto-thermal reforming, take place in a process mode selected from batch, semi-continuous, continuous or cyclic operations. 